Eddie George, the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL star, has been named the new head coach of Bowling Green State University’s football program.
This tremendous switch in career was inspired by a significant conversation with Urban Meyer, the former Bowling Green coach and three-time national champion.
How Urban Meyer Helped Eddie George Secure Bowling Green Job
After losing coach Scot Loeffler to the quarterbacks coach position with the Philadelphia Eagles, Bowling Green responded quickly, announcing George as the new coach on Monday. George, a renowned two-time All-Pro with the Tennessee Titans, has spent the last four years as head coach at Tennessee State, an FCS HBCU.
During his introduction as Falcons coach, George said he got a call from Meyer while driving through Bowling Green, Ky., a city about seven hours from his new home, on his way back from the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis to Nashville. He interpreted it as a sign from God.
“Honestly, I wasn’t looking for another opportunity. I was committed to finishing off my job at Tennessee State. Going into the last year of my contract, that was my focus,” George said.
“… I see the sign, Bowling Green, and I look down on my phone. It said, ‘Message from Urban Meyer,’ talking about, ‘Are you interested in the Bowling Green job?’ And I put the phone down, I was like, ‘Oh boy. What are you trying to say?”
Meyer played as a matchmaker on both sides of the coin after athletic director Derek van der Merwe contacted him for some potential candidates for the position.
“After talking to Urban Meyer, he said I only have one name for you.” van der Merwe said at the press conference, per FootballScoop. “I want you to talk to Eddie George. I said, ‘The Heisman Trophy winner, right?’ He says yeah. He says, ‘Don’t look at anything. Don’t read anything on him. Don’t read his background. Talk to him. Talk to the human being.’
George’s appointment is meant to bring in a new era in Bowling Green football. His unusual combination of professional playing experience, academic accomplishments, and coaching success enables him to lead the Falcons. The academic community and fans are excited about the future under George’s supervision.
KEEP READING: New BGSU Coach Eddie George Cracks up Press Room With First Impressions
George’s journey from Heisman Trophy winner to NFL player, Broadway actor, and now head coach at Bowling Green exemplifies his adaptability and determination.
George is ready to make a tremendous impact on the collegiate coaching landscape, courtesy of the support and mentorship of prominent figures such as Meyer.
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